Medication
Common cold 1 Diagnosis. Most people with a common cold can be diagnosed by their signs and symptoms. ... 2 Treatment. There's no cure for the common cold. ... 3 Lifestyle and home remedies. Drinking plenty of fluids. ... 4 Alternative medicine. ... 5 Preparing for your appointment. ...
Self-care
“Most cold viruses last seven to 10 days, so if it lasts longer than that, it could be a bacterial infection and require antibiotics.” If you have pain when breathing, shortness of breath, tightness in your chest or wheezing, you should see your doctor right away. If you still have the following symptoms after 10 days, see your doctor:
Nutrition
If you have a cold, Dr. Kirlew recommends trying home remedies for the first seven to 10 days if you don’t have serious symptoms like wheezing, chest pain or shortness of breath. She suggests over-the-counter treatments like:
How to diagnose and treat common cold?
Since most cold medications treat more than one symptom, it can be helpful to identify your most severe symptom and make your choice based on lessening that symptom. Be careful not to take two medications that contain the same active ingredients.
When should I see a doctor for a cold?
When should you try home remedies for a cold?
How do I choose the best cold medications?
What doctor do I see for a cold?
Family doctors. Family practice physicians, pediatricians, and internists can all help treat the common cold. Pay careful attention to symptoms that may signal a more severe infection or health condition.
Where should I go for a cold?
You should go to your urgent care facility or doctor to get antibiotics and check to make sure something else is not occurring because strep throat can lead to other serious issues. In most cases, colds and the flu will work their way out.
Can I see a doctor with cold symptoms?
“If you are reaching the 10-day mark of a cold and are not feeling any better, you should see your doctor,” says Christine Kirlew, M.D., an internal medicine physician at Piedmont. “Most cold viruses last seven to 10 days, so if it lasts longer than that, it could be a bacterial infection and require antibiotics.”
Can a doctor prescribe you anything for a cold?
Cough suppressants, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids are prescription cold and/or flu medications that can help provide you some symptom relief, while the main job of antivirals and antibiotics is to stop what's causing your illness in its tracks.
Should I go to clinic for cold?
Go to the clinic if you have sinus pressure or pain, a persistent or worsening sore throat, a deep cough that's making you hack up yellow or green phlegm, fast or difficult breathing, ear pain, or a high fever.
How long should you let a cold go before seeing a doctor?
A cold should last about 7 to 10 days, and it usually isn't serious enough to warrant a doctor's visit. However, you should see a doctor if your cold symptoms become more severe after 10 days.
How do you know it's Covid and not a cold?
Both COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses....Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold?Symptom or signCOVID-19ColdNausea or vomitingSometimesNeverNew loss of taste or smellUsually (early — often without a runny or stuffy nose)Sometimes (especially with a stuffy nose)8 more rows
What are the 5 stages of cold?
The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery....Symptoms of a cold appear and usually peak within one to three days and may include:Sore throat.Runny nose.Stuffy nose.Coughing.Sneezing.Headaches.Body aches.Post-nasal drip.More items...•
What's the fastest way to get rid of a cold?
Cold remedies that workStay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. ... Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.Soothe a sore throat. ... Combat stuffiness. ... Relieve pain. ... Sip warm liquids. ... Try honey. ... Add moisture to the air.More items...
How long should a cold last?
Colds usually last 3 to 7 days, but sometimes they hang on as long as 2 weeks. If you're under the weather for longer than that, one of these things could be to blame.
How long are you contagious with a cold?
The common cold is infectious from a few days before your symptoms appear until all of the symptoms are gone. Most people will be infectious for around 2 weeks. Symptoms are usually worse during the first 2 to 3 days, and this is when you're most likely to spread the virus.
Can I take cold medicine with Covid?
If you have COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, do not take cold medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®). These medications may hide the symptoms of COVID-19.
What are some ways to get rid of a cold?
But there are pros and cons to commonly used cold remedies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, nasal sprays and cough syrups. Don't give OTC cold medications to children.
How to get rid of a cold after taking meds?
This will give you a chance to rest and heal, as well as reduce the chances that you'll spread your cold to others. Adjust your room's temperature and humidity.
How long does it take for a cold to go away?
There's no cure for the common cold. Most cases of the common cold get better without treatment, usually within a week to 10 days. But a cough may linger for a few more days. The best thing you can do is take care of yourself while your body heals. For example, drink plenty of liquids, humidify the air, use saline nasal rinses and get adequate rest.
How to make yourself comfortable when you have a cold?
To make yourself as comfortable as possible when you have a cold, try some of these suggestions: Drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water are good choices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Sip warm liquids.
What to do if your child has a cold?
If you or your child has a cold and symptoms persist or worsen or are severe, make an appointment with your primary care provider or your child's pediatrician. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
Can you use over the counter medicine for a cold?
Don't use over-the-counter medicines, except for fever reducers and pain relievers, to treat coughs and colds in children younger than 6 years old. Cough and cold medications have potentially serious side effects, including fatal overdoses in children younger than 2 years old.
Can you take two cough and cold pills at the same time?
If you use over-the counter cough and cold medicines, follow the label directions. Don't take two medicines with the same active ingredient, such as an antihistamine, decongestant or pain reliever. Too much of a single ingredient could lead to an accidental overdose.
How do you get a cold?
Colds are highly contagious and are spread through droplets of fluid that contain the virus. People can pick up the virus if they’re around an infected person or if the person who is infected has touched a common surface with unwashed hands.
How to prevent a cold from spreading?
Doing too much too soon can prevent your body from healing and may even make a cold last longer. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and remember to wash your hands to prevent spreading the virus to others.
What to do if you have a runny nose?
Try An Over-the-Counter (OTC) Cold Medication. OTC cold medications can relieve a runny nose, ease congestion, and soothe a scratchy throat. However, some medicines contain multiple ingredients, so it’s important to read the labels to make sure you aren’t taking too much. Cold Remedies for Children.
How to tell if a child has a cold?
Children’s immune systems are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to colds and other infections. It’s important to monitor their symptoms closely and call the doctor if your child: 1 Develops a cold and is less than 3 months old 2 Has a “barking” or severe cough 3 Complains of ear pain 4 Struggles to breathe or breathes quickly 5 Has symptoms that last longer than 3 weeks 6 Doesn’t want to eat and seems listless or extremely tired 7 Has trouble urinating
What to do when you have a scratchy throat?
Chewing on ice chips, sucking on throat lozenges or sprays, and eating a piece of hard candy may soothe a scratchy throat.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Sneezing, coughing, and constantly blowing your nose. If you’ve ever caught a cold, these symptoms may sound familiar. There are more than 200 known viruses that can infect your nose and throat. The most common is Rhinovirus, which causes 10% to 40% of colds.
How to get rid of congestion in the nose?
Sip Some Soup. The phrase “chicken soup for the soul” may be true! Drinking warm liquids, like soup, tea, or warm juice, increases mucus flow in the body, reducing congestion. Turn on the Humidifier.
How to feel better when you have a cold?
Below are some ways you can feel better while your body fights off a cold: Get plenty of rest. Drink plenty of fluids. Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer. Use saline nasal spray or drops. For young children, use a rubber suction bulb to clear mucus.
How long does it take for a cold to show up?
Symptoms of a cold usually peak within 2 to 3 days and can include: When viruses that cause colds first infect the nose and air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses), the nose makes clear mucus. This helps wash the viruses from the nose and sinuses. After 2 or 3 days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color.
What happens when you have a cold?
Common Cold. When you have a cold, mucus fills your nose and could cause post-nasal drip, headache, and a sore throat. When you have a cold, mucus fills your nose and could cause post-nasal drip, headache, and a sore throat.
How long does it take for mucus to clear up after a cold?
This helps wash the viruses from the nose and sinuses. After 2 or 3 days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color. This is normal and does not mean you need an antibiotic.
How long does a sore throat last?
When you have a cold, a sore throat could last for 8 days; a headache for 9 or 10 days; and congestion, runny nose, and cough could last for more than 14 days. See a doctor right away if your child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.
How old do you have to be to give a child cough medicine?
Children 4 years or older: discuss with your child’s doctor if over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are safe to give to your child for temporary symptom relief. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size.
What to do when you cough and sneeze?
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
What are some home remedies for the common cold?
Many home remedies are popular treatments for the common cold. These include vitamin C, zinc supplements, and echinacea. Although not proven to be helpful, most home remedies are safe for most people. Some remedies may cause side effects or allergic reactions. Certain remedies may change the way other medicines work.
How to get rid of a cold if you have asthma?
Wheezing can be a common symptom of a cold if you have asthma. Use your rescue inhaler as prescribed if you are wheezing. See your provider immediately if it becomes hard to breathe.
How long does it take for a cold to get better?
Colds are very common. A visit to your health care provider's office is often not needed, and colds often get better in 3 to 4 days. A type of germ called a virus causes most colds. There are many types of viruses that can cause a cold. Depending on what virus you have, your symptoms may vary.
How to stop germs from spreading?
Wash your hands often. This is the best way to stop the spread of germs. To wash your hands correctly: Rub soap onto wet hands for 20 seconds. Make sure to get under your fingernails. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel and turn faucet off with paper towel. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Common symptoms of a cold include: Fever (100°F [37.7°C] or higher) and chills. Headache, sore muscles, and fatigue. Cough. Nasal symptoms, such as stuffiness, runny nose, yellow or green snot, and sneezing. Sore throat. Mild symptoms of COVID-19 may be similar to those of the common cold.
Does Tylenol help with colds?
Treating your symptoms will not make your cold go away, but will help you feel better. Antibiotics are almost never needed to treat a common cold. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help lower fever and relieve muscle aches. Do not use aspirin.
Can you use cough syrup for sore throat?
So use cough syrups only when your cough becomes too painful. Throat lozenges or sprays for your sore throat. Many cough and cold medicines you buy have more than one medicine inside. Read the labels carefully to make sure you do not take too much of any one medicine.
Is it normal to have a sore throat when you swallow?
That's not normal. Although a sore throat can make it hurt a little to swallow, severe pain can be a sign of an infection or injury that needs to be treated by a doctor.
Can sinus congestion go away?
Your congestion and headache won't go away. Colds and allergies that block your nose with mucus can lead to a sinus infection. If your cold medicine doesn't give you relief, see your doctor for more treatment.
How long does a cold virus last?
“Most cold viruses last seven to 10 days, so ...
How long after a cough do you see a doctor?
If you still have the following symptoms after 10 days , see your doctor: Chills. Fever. Productive cough (meaning you cough up phlegm) Yellow phlegm.
How to know if you have a symtom?
If you have pain when breathing, shortness of breath, tightness in your chest or wheezing, you should see your doctor right away. If you still have the following symptoms after 10 days, see your doctor: 1 Chills 2 Fever 3 Productive cough (meaning you cough up phlegm) 4 Yellow phlegm
Why does my chest X-ray show yellow phlegm?
Yellow phlegm. “The majority of upper respiratory infections are caused by a virus,” she explains. “But if someone is having shortness of breath or pain when they breathe in, I may recommend a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia.
What is the best way to clean your sinuses?
Saline rinse. “A saline rinse will cleanse the nasal passages and throat,” she explains. “Studies strongly indicate that using a saline rinse can reduce the duration of a sinus infection.”
How to help your immune system?
You can also help relieve symptoms and boost your immune system with the following: Consume vitamin C. “ Vitamin C can help dry you out when you have a cold,” she says. Get plenty of rest. Resting at home can help your immune system fight off the virus. It’s harder to battle an illness when your body is rundown.
Can you cough and sneeze into your hands?
Cough or sneeze courteously. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your arm, not onto your hands
How to get rid of a cold virus?
Staying hydrated with water, juice, or herbal tea helps thin out mucus, combats congestion, and helps your body fight a cold virus.
How old should a child be to take cold medicine?
Your child’s weight, development, age, and symptom severity help to determine the medication and dosage. If your child is younger than 6 months , stick to acetaminophen for pain relief.
How to treat sinus headaches?
To treat a sinus headache, decide if you’d like to treat the pain from your sinus blockage or the actual blockage itself. Ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce your pain. A decongestant like pseudoephedrine can thin out your congestion, but it might take a few doses before your sinus pressure goes away.
How to get rid of a stuffy nose?
To loosen up a stuffy nose, take a decongestant with the active ingredient pseudoephedrine. It thins out the mucus that your body produces, allowing it to escape your inflamed nasal passages so you can breathe easy again. Phenylephrine is another decongestant available for stuffy nose.
What is the best medicine for a fever?
Treating the inflammation can bring down your pain levels and soothe discomfort. Fever and aches are best treated by ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), as is naproxen. Acetaminophen is another pain reliever that can treat fever and aches.
What to do if your throat is sore from coughing?
If your coughing is making your throat sore, look for a medication that contains dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan helps control your brain’s signal to your body that you need to cough. This can decrease your coughing symptoms enough to promote healing of a sore throat, but it doesn’t treat the cause of your coughing.
What happens if you double up on cold medicine?
If you double up, you can get too much of the drug in your system. This can lead to more side effects, up your chance for overdose, or other serious health problems. Always read labels carefully for expiration dates and side effects. This article will help you choose a cold medicine based on your symptoms. Symptom.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Alternative Medicine
Specialist to consult
Preparing For Your Appointment